VSB Template Photoshop Preset (Settings)

[FalloutDezignz]

Best Vista Style Builder PSD Template Preset Settings?

Little confused, I much appreciate any input, suggestions, or tips you may be able to give.

Lets say im going to start with a desktop theme template, and save it as PSD, or TIF for quick and easy editing later.
I seen many people had problems with there images being stretched on the start menu
resulting in pixel(y) corners, or mis-alignment...etc

Definitely want to prevent this from the beginning so later I don't have to hassle with it.
Current Photoshop(CS-5/6) settings for my template are:

1) Currently running on a laptop (Widescreen) so also wondering if i should leave the "Pixel Aspect Ratio" alone?
Current Screen Resolution on laptop - 1280x800

2) Does is really matter?
also wondering if my current screen resolution should have an effect on how big the size of my template should be, i was thinking start with a template in PS at 1280x800, instead of 1024x1024 (This way i know if it looks good on my screen then it should be ok on others as well who may have wide-screen)

Size: 1024x1024 (Pixels)
Resolution: 72 (Pixels/Inch)
Color Mode: RGB Color 16bit
Background Contents: Transparent
Color Profile: Working RGB: sRGB IEC61966-2.1
Pixel Aspect Ratio: Square Pixels

When finished & Saving:

No Compression I will also assume would have better quality (Correct me if I'm wrong)
Interlaced - I use None ( Have no idea what Interlaced is)

When finished, the individual pieces are saved as PNG. BUT which way?
used to website design... so with a desktop theme which method is proper or better

file/Save As/ PNG
or
File/ Save for Web and Devices / PNG-8 or PNG-24

(blah all these new PS5/6 settings nowdays... i remember back when.... photoshop 7 ..... xp... blah blah... nuggets. (2hrs later)
blah blah blah and a pack of cigarettes was a nickel...
After this is solved I will post the PSD for others who may need it to save time with sizing/settings leaving only the design portion left for there projects.

Thank you